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Modric, always so delicious
From the right, from the left, short game, long game, we keep repeating it, but it's a chance to see Luka Modric at work.
He does not run fast, is not strong, but the Ballon d'Or 2018 feels things and sees things faster than everyone.
His famous "exter" of the right foot is to be broadcast in all football schools, like his gesture of the sole to take the ball.
Conductor of the World Cup finalists in Russia, the 37-year-old midfielder has once again proven his importance in the collective of his people.
Twice (55th, 68th), he could have deceived his Real Madrid partner and evening opponent, Thibaut Courtois.
In vain.
But in his management of strong and weak beats, his ability to set the tempo with a simple gesture,
Luka Modric has again given the lesson to a very disappointing Belgian midfielder.
Can't wait for the continuation in the 8th finals.
Courtois, the only Belgian to survive
In the Belgian shipwreck, already forced to leave Qatar in the group stages, Thibaut Courtois held his rank on Thursday evening.
One of the rare members of Roberto Martinez's selection to be able to look at himself in the mirror, at least on the decisive meeting which gave birth to a sad draw (0-0) against Croatia on the tired lawn of the stadium Ben Ali.
On several occasions (50th, 54th, 55th, 68th), the “best goalkeeper in the world” held his team upright, facing inspirations from Kovacic or Modric.
But that was not enough, his partners were not at the expected level, unlike him.
Light years away from the conquering team interviewed in 2018 in Russia.
And the confirmation of the end of an era for our Belgian neighbors.
The definition of “seum”.
Claw strokes
Belgians washed out and clueless
To wonder who was to win Wednesday evening on the lawn of the Bin Ali stadium in Doha.
During the first act, with at the same time a Moroccan selection which was in the lead against Canada (1-2 at the break), the Red Devils showed absolutely nothing.
A team without idea, without soul, without change of rhythm, even less percussion and apart from a rush from De Bruyne with an opportunity for Mertens (14th), nothing to put in their mouths.
Far too little for a selection forced to win against Croats who have not stopped playing at their (little) train and could even have taken the lead after a penalty refused on offside (16th).
Sign of a performance that is far too neutral, Roberto Martinez tried to put pressure on his holders with Hazard's warm-up,
Lukaku and Tielemans from the 35th minute… In vain.
A little better in the second half but too little to hope for a glimpse of the knockout stages of the World Cup.
A fiasco for the De Bruyne, Hazard, Vertonghen generation, plagued by doubts, conflicts and never at their level in Qatar.
Distress and the Lukaku grape harvest
One of the images of this World Cup.
Romelo Lukaku, prostrate and in tears on the sidelines, comforted by Thierry Henry after the final whistle.
For long seconds the 1998 world champion, assistant to Roberto Martinez in the Belgian selection, will try to comfort the Inter Milan striker.
In vain.
With three huge chances (60th, 87th, 90th) to his credit, after coming into play in place of Dries Mertens after returning from the locker room, Romelo Lukaku could have been the savior of the Red Devils.
Missed.
In large widths.
He harvested and precipitated the fall of his people.
After the meeting, he will pass his rage on the plexiglass of the Belgian bench, angry and aware of having missed his appointment.
The next few weeks promise to be very long for the unfortunate evening.
Boredom also in the stands
When you have the chance to see several matches – which is our case – in this World Cup in Qatar, it is impossible not to compare the atmosphere in the stands.
Suffice to say that the atmosphere of this Croatia-Belgium, despite 43,984 spectators, will not remain etched in our memory.
To wonder even if the supporters of the two camps were aware of the stakes of this meeting... We exaggerate a little but when we see the enthusiasm of the Moroccan, Tunisian fans or the madness of the Argentinians, the lack of decibels Thursday evening at the Bin Ali stadium for a match whose outcome validated or not a place in the round of 16, we had the right to expect a warmer welcome.
A more colorful and boosted atmosphere.
With rare exceptions, it was dead calm.
